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Following a better-than-expected labor report, U.S. equities
ripped higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising above
15,000 and the S&P 500 topping the 1,600 level during the
session. According to the Labor Department, April saw 165,000 new
jobs and the unemployment rate fell to a four year low of 7.5%.
Non-farm payrolls also came in better than expected. In other
economic news, the Institute for Supply Management reported that
its non-manufacturing index rose in April, but at a slower pace
than expected [see The Cheapest ETF for Every Investment
Objective].

Crude oil futures jumped today after a better-than-expected U.S.
labor report bolstered optimism for energy demand; for the month,
oil has gained 2.8%. Gasoline and natural gas futures were also
higher. Meanwhile, gold futures ended flat, but slightly up for
the week.

The Dow Jones U.S. Insurance Fund (IAK,
B+) was one of the best performers today,
gaining 1.87% during the session. After insurance giant American
International Group (AIG) posted better-than-expected
earnings, this ETF gapped significantly higher at the open. IAK
slid sideways for the remainder of the day, eventually settling
at $39.79 a share [see Futures Free Commodity ETFdb Portfolio].

The DB Base Metals Fund (IYW, A) also posted a strong
performance today, gaining a whopping 4.38% during the session.
As copper futures rallied more than 6% today, this ETF
gapped significantly higher at the open. DBB inched higher
throughout the day, eventually settling at $17.17 a
share [see Commodity Guru ETFdb Portfolio].